Hard to believe they made an American movie about auto racing that didn’t stoop to NASSCARR “Dads.” Thusly, I was actually interested in seeing it because Le Mans was the contest, a very historic track in France which isn’t an oval.
Ford is the Hollywoodization on how Shelby (his name is on certain Fords resembling Mustangs) formed a team to take on European sports car royalty. Why? Originally it was an effort to get Boomers to buy Fords (and other US brands) with their parents’ money instead of Ferraris, Porches, BMWs, etc. As if the Greatest Generation could afford real sports cars to give their spoiled brood‽ Again, this would’ve been a great episode for History vs. Hollywood to find out how much of the film is bullshit to ratchet up drama. Sadly, the History Channel showcases Rednecks arguing over crap in a pawn shop because real history/research costs money.
Anyway, you’ll quickly see Henry Ford II’s desire to compete transforming from a marketing campaign proposed by Lee Iacocca into a grudge match when Enzo Ferrari insults him. Something involving how Henry isn’t his grandfather, he makes ugly cars and all his executives are SOBs. Being a One Percenter with thin skin, Henry gives Shelby the go ahead to build a car capable of competing at Le Mans.
Shelby has the people to create a feasible car, what he doesn’t have is the driver. Since he can no longer drive due to his precarious health, he recruits Ken Miles (Christian Bale playing his ill-tempered self!). The story carries on, blah blah blah, etc. Then the big test, Le Mans as Shelby has three cars built to take on the European teams.
Ford did remain a compelling and interesting movie even though I wasn’t really cheering for their car to win. Fords suck and the letters stand for “fix or repair daily.” Shelby I did like if Matt Damon was portraying him accurately. The real person sounded cool. They should make a bio picture about Shelby next, every other major character was a prick.
Overall I would say see this. The Sixties were a pivotal moment with cars. The last decade in which we could spoil ourselves on building something impractical, before the first major oil crisis hit it 1973. Le Mans takes real skill to drive unlike NASCAR and Indy’s mastering of turning left every 20 seconds.
Alamo Extras: Dr. Brule talks about cars; Trailer for Le Mans starring Steve McQueen; a little documentary footage about Le Mans; Mattel toy commercial for power shifters; a Matt Damon trivia round; a presentation about true rivalries and what is Hollywood embellishment or bullshit:
- Amadeus
- Tombstone
- Inherit the Wind
- The Favourite
- Rush (the Formula One racers, not the junkies)